Apparatus and corresponding method for transporting segments suitable for forming energy cells

Abstract

An apparatus (1) for transporting segments (2) which are suitable for forming energy cells, in particular battery cells, comprising - a rotatably driveable transport body (3), in particular a transport drum, which is designed to hold the segments (2) on its lateral surface (4) and, by rotating, to transport the segments (2); - a removal conveyor device (5) which, in the conveying direction, is located downstream of the rotatably driveable transport body (3); and - a transfer device (6) which is designed to transfer the segments (2) from the rotatably driveable transport body (3) to the removal conveyor device (5), wherein - the transfer device (6) comprises at least two endless traction mechanisms (7, 15 8), in particular belts, which are driven and deflected in such a way that simultaneous contact with the at least two endless traction mechanisms (7, 8) causes a segment (2) which is to be transferred to be subjected to a driving force.

Description

[0001] Device and corresponding method for transporting segments suitable for forming energy cells

[0002] The present invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 28.

[0003] It is known in principle from the prior art to use energy cells or energy storage devices in motor vehicles, other land vehicles, ships, aircraft, or even in stationary systems in the form of battery cells or fuel cells. Such energy cells or energy storage devices can store large amounts of energy over extended periods of time. For this purpose, such energy cells have a structure consisting of a large number of segments stacked together.

[0004] To process the segments, they must pass through different sections of a production machine in which the conveying movement differs. For example, in a first section of the production machine the segment can be transported in a circular movement and in a second section of the production machine in a straight line. This makes it necessary to transfer the segments between the different sections of the production machine. The solutions known from the prior art, which operate according to the "pick and place" method, for example, are limited in terms of their transport speed and are therefore not suitable for production machines with a high machine cycle rate. The present application is therefore based on the object of specifying an improved device for transporting segments between different sections of a production machine and a corresponding method.

[0005] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Further preferred embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the figures, and the associated description.

[0006] According to a first aspect of this application, a device for transporting segments suitable for forming energy cells, in particular battery cells, is proposed to achieve the object, comprising a rotatably driven transport body, in particular a transport drum, which is designed to hold the segments on its outer surface and to transport the segments by its rotation; a discharge device arranged downstream of the rotatably driven transport body in the conveying direction; and a transfer device designed to transfer the segments from the rotatably driven transport body to the discharge device, wherein the transfer device comprises at least two endless traction means, in particular belts, which are driven and deflected in such a way that a segment to be transferred is subjected to a driving force by simultaneous contact with the at least two endless traction means.

[0007] A traction device within the meaning of this application is understood to mean an endless traction device that can be deflected by appropriate deflection devices, for example, deflection shafts, deflection rollers, and / or drive shafts. Such traction devices are placed around the deflection devices with appropriate pretension so that the traction devices rotate reliably around the deflection devices during operation. All traction devices known for use in traction drive systems can be considered as traction devices; for example, friction-locked traction devices such as flat belts, V-belts, or round belts; but also, for example, positive-locking traction devices such as chains or synchronous belts. It goes without saying that the design of these traction devices can be adapted accordingly for the intended purpose.

[0008] It should be noted at this point that endless traction devices, as defined in this application, are traction devices that can run endlessly around corresponding deflection devices. This is common practice for traction devices and therefore requires no further explanation.

[0009] The invention recognizes that at least two traction means are an advantageous means for applying a driving force to segments for transfer between the transport body and a discharge device. The endless traction means can be flexibly adapted to the conveying paths defined by the transport body and the discharge device by rotating various deflection means. Thus, the traction means form an ideal transitional transport means.

[0010] By using two or more traction devices, the segments can be positioned at at least two spaced-apart locations on the segments to be transferred, supporting them for transport. This allows, firstly, a precisely positioned transfer of segments from the transport body to the discharge device. Secondly, the conveying mechanism of the transport body can be decoupled from the conveying mechanism of the discharge device.

[0011] Preferably, at least two traction means are aligned parallel to each other; this also means that traction means arranged parallel to each other revolve around the same virtual axes on the same diameter. This can also be referred to as a looping. This creates a favorable contact surface for the segments to be transferred.

[0012] Further preferably, the conveying paths of at least two traction means extend in different planes aligned parallel to one another, wherein the conveying paths of the at least two traction means are aligned with one another when viewed orthogonally to these planes. These are referred to below as aligned conveying paths.

[0013] By applying a driving force to the segments, they can be both deflected and accelerated, so that a defined transfer movement is determined by the traction means. Preferably, the driving force acts on the segments in such a way that they are fed to the discharge device and / or that the speed of the segments is adjusted to that of the discharge device.

[0014] In addition to applying the drive force, the at least two endless traction means or a portion of the at least two endless traction means can also be configured to apply a compressive force to the segments, pressing them against a transport surface of the discharge device. The segments are then guided between the transport surface of the discharge device and the traction means configured for this purpose, as in a double-belt press.

[0015] The discharge device can be formed by part of a laminating device.

[0016] The discharge device can be formed by an endless conveyor of a laminating device, in particular by an endlessly circulating heating belt, in particular a metal belt, which is guided through a heating section and / or a cooling section. The laminating device can be provided with a heating device arranged within the heating section and configured to convert electrical energy into heat and heat an endless conveyor. The laminating device can be provided with a cooling device arranged within the cooling section and configured to extract thermal energy from the endless conveyor within the cooling section.

[0017] The maximum cross-sectional diameter of a traction means is preferably a maximum of 1 / 2 the elongated extent of the segment to be transported, more preferably a maximum of 1 / 3 or 1 / 5 of the elongated extent of the segment to be transported, and particularly preferably 1 / 10 of the elongated extent of the segment to be transported. From a technical point of view, it has proven advantageous to use thin traction means. For round belts, the cross-sectional diameter is 1 mm to 6 mm, more preferably 2 mm to 5 mm. For flat belts, the thickness is preferably 0.5 mm to 3 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 2 mm. The width of a flat or toothed belt can be very variable, preferably it corresponds to 0.1 to 0.4 times the elongated extent of the segment to be transported, more preferably 0.3 to 0.35 times and particularly preferably 1 / 3 of the elongated extent of the segment to be transported.

[0018] The removal device is preferably configured to convey the segments in a translational manner, in particular in a straight line. For this purpose, it has proven advantageous for the removal device to comprise a linear conveyor, in particular a conveyor belt. This type of transport allows the segments to be fed particularly advantageously to downstream process steps. The device can, for example, comprise a laminating device configured to laminate several segments that have been transferred from the transfer device to the removal device.

[0019] It is further proposed that the transfer device comprise one or more sensors with which at least one quality parameter of the segments can be checked, and / or that the transfer device comprise one or more sensors with which the position and / or alignment of the segments can be checked. In this way, it can be ensured that only segments that meet the corresponding quality requirements and / or segments that are correctly positioned or aligned are fed to the subsequent production process. Preferably, an evaluation device comprising a processor and a data memory is provided, which is configured to process the signals from the sensor(s).Furthermore, the evaluation device can be configured to generate appropriate control signals so that, for example, segments that do not meet quality requirements can be removed from the production process or so that a position and / or orientation can be corrected so that it corresponds to a target position and / or target orientation. This can increase the product quality of the products manufactured with the segments.

[0020] It is further proposed that the transfer device comprise a material web deflection device, preferably a material web deflection roller, which is configured to deflect an endless material web. The material web deflection device is arranged and aligned such that the endless material web is laid over the segment already delivered to the discharge device by the transfer device. In this way, a multi-layer structure consisting of segments and an endless material web can be realized on the discharge device.

[0021] When reference is made to an endless material web in this application, this obviously does not mean an endless web in the literal sense, but rather a material web that can be continuously replenished during production. This re-feeding is only interrupted when a new web is made available. In practice, endless material webs are formed, for example, by joining two material webs wound onto so-called coils, also called bobbins. During the production process, the material web is then unwound from the coil. The aim is to join the material web of an expiring (old) coil to the web of a new coil, if possible without interrupting the production process, so that the web is essentially continuously replenished during production.It is further proposed that the device comprises two or more transfer devices, wherein the device defines a first and a second transfer point at which the segments are transferred from the first and the second transfer device to the removal device, wherein the first transfer device transfers the segments provided by it to the removal device at the first transfer point and the second transfer device transfers the segments provided by it to the removal device at the second transfer point. Preferably, the first transfer point is arranged upstream of the second transfer point with respect to the conveying direction of the removal device. Further preferably, the transfer devices are each designed to deliver segments of different types to the removal device.Thus, a segment of the first type, for example in the form of an electrode sheet, can be transferred to the discharge device by the first transfer device at the first transfer point. An endless material web, for example made of a separator material, can then be placed over this. On top of this, a segment of the second type, for example another electrode sheet, can then be placed onto the endless material web by means of the second transfer device at the second transfer point. The segment is deflected by the material web deflection roller of the first transfer device such that it is guided in the conveying direction of the discharge device. Another endless material web, for example also made of a separator material, can then be placed onto the segment of the second type during conveyance on the discharge device.In this way, the following layers can be superimposed on a transport surface of the discharge device: segments of the first type, for example, electrode sheets; a continuous material web, for example, a separator web; segments of the second type, for example, additional electrode sheets; a continuous material web. This allows the basic structure of a monocell for the production of energy cells, particularly in the form of battery cells, to be created. For example, the segments of the first type can be anode sheets, and the segments of the second type can be cathode sheets; the reverse is also possible.

[0022] In the event that the device has multiple transfer devices, the device preferably comprises a rotatably driven transport body for each transfer device, which supplies the respective transfer device with segments. In this way, the transfer devices are supplied with segments independently of one another.

[0023] It is further proposed that the transfer device comprise a carrier, relative to which the remaining components of the transfer device are arranged in a predefined arrangement and orientation. This allows the components of the transfer device to be aligned in a predefined manner relative to the carrier; furthermore, it is possible to adjust the carrier relative to a stationary part of the device. The carrier is preferably formed by a frame-like structure.

[0024] The carrier is preferably pivotably mounted relative to a stationary part of the device. The pivotability of the carrier preferably allows a distance to a transport surface of the discharge device to be adjusted. The pivotability is enabled by appropriate mounting about a pivot axis, so that the pivoting movement about this pivot axis preferably represents the only degree of freedom for the carrier. The pivotability also allows the at least two traction devices to be exchanged in a simple and convenient manner. Furthermore, when starting up, i.e. when starting up, the downstream processing devices, such as the laminating device assigned to the discharge device, the traction devices can be largely brought out of contact with the discharge device in order to extend the service life, protect any sensors and / or prevent flattening of the traction devices.This also allows for better thermal decoupling of the traction mechanism from the relatively hot transport surface of the discharge conveyor due to the lamination device. Furthermore, the pivoting capability allows the transfer device to be lowered—and thus engaged—only once the traction mechanism is synchronized with the transport surface of the discharge conveyor. This allows the transfer device to be mechanically decoupled from the discharge conveyor before lowering.

[0025] The device preferably comprises an adjustable stop against which the carrier rests during operation, wherein the stop is adjustable relative to a stationary part of the device. This allows the end position of the carrier to be determined simply and reliably. This enables easy handling for an operator. A clear operating position is defined by the pivoting movement until the carrier rests against the stop. Furthermore, by pivoting the carrier away from the stop, it can be moved into a maintenance position, allowing easy access to certain components.

[0026] It is further proposed that the transfer device comprises a rotatably drivable transfer rotary body, wherein the transfer rotary body is arranged and configured such that the segments are taken over by the transport body and conveyed further by rotation of the transfer rotary body, and / or the transfer rotary body deflects at least two of the traction means which are configured to take over the segments from the transport body in the region of the deflection by the transfer rotary body and to convey them further.

[0027] In the first case, the segments are transported by the rotary transfer body itself. For example, circumferential recesses can be provided in which the traction means are guided. The traction means can be guided in such a way that they take over the segments from the rotary transfer body at a specific point; at this point, the traction means run out of the recess, so that the segments are combed by the rotary transfer body.

[0028] In the second case, the segments are taken over, for example, by the section of the traction means from the transport body, which is guided around the transfer rotation body.

[0029] Of course, a combination of the first and second cases is also possible. For example, as described in connection with the second case, the traction means placed around the rotary transfer body can take over the segment from the transport body, and at the same time, the rotary transfer body itself can contribute to the takeover and conveyance of the segment. For this purpose, the rotary transfer body can, for example, have holding means, such as openings that can be subjected to negative pressure, for holding the segments on its outer surface.

[0030] Regardless of whether the transfer is carried out using the first variant, the second variant or a combination of the first and second variants, the proposed solution ensures that the segments are initially transported by the rotation of the transfer rotation body.

[0031] It is further proposed that the at least two traction means run around the rotary transfer body and around a first traction means deflection device, preferably around a first traction means deflection roller. The rotary transfer body and the first traction means deflection device thus define at least part of the circulating path of the at least two traction means. Of course, further deflection means can be provided around which the at least two traction means run. By appropriately defining the circulating path, a driving force is exerted on the segments, by which they are fed to the discharge device. Furthermore, the traction means can transmit a torque to the first traction means deflection device, so that it does not have to be actively driven.

[0032] It is further proposed that the rotary transfer body comprise recesses extending circumferentially, in each of which one of the at least two traction means is guided. Preferably, the circulating path of the traction means is defined by further deflection means, for example in the form of the first traction means deflection device, such that the segments are combed from the rotary transfer body at a specific point by the at least two traction means. The segments can thus be taken over by the transport body and fed to the removal device.

[0033] The transfer rotary body can, for example, comprise an integrated freewheel device configured to decouple the movement of the traction means guided in the recesses of the transfer rotary body from the rotational movement of the transfer rotary body. Preferably, the device comprises a drive for driving the transfer rotary body in a rotational movement and a further, separate drive configured to drive the traction means guided in the recesses of the transfer rotary body. The freewheel device can, for example, comprise one or more bearing elements.

[0034] It is further proposed that the transfer device comprises two groups of at least two endless traction means each, wherein the traction means of both groups are driven and deflected in such a way that a segment to be transferred is subjected to a drive force by simultaneous contact with the at least two endless traction means of the respective group, wherein the circulation path of the traction means of the first group deviates from the circulation path of the traction means of the second group and / or the traction means of the first group have a different traction means speed than the traction means of the second group. Thus, a different function can be implemented with the traction means of the first group than with the traction means of the second group. For example, a combing function for combing out segments from the transfer rotation body can be implemented with the traction means of the first group.Furthermore, for example, a transport function can be realized with the traction means of the second group. Preferably, the traction means speed of the traction means of the second group is selected such that it deviates by less than 5%, more preferably less than 2%, and in particular less than 1% from the speed of the outer side of the transfer rotary body of the transfer device and / or the transport body.

[0035] Preferably, all traction means of a group circulate on mutually aligned conveyor paths within the meaning of this application.

[0036] It is further proposed that the traction path of the traction means of the second group be configured such that the segments are pressed against a transport surface of the discharge device by the traction means of the second group. This ensures safe transport of the segments under pressure between the transport surface of the discharge device and the traction means of the second group. The traction means of the second group and the discharge device then function similarly to a double-belt press.

[0037] It is further proposed that the traction means running around the transfer rotation body and around the first traction means deflection device be assigned to the first group of traction means, wherein further traction means assigned to the second group of traction means are provided, which run around a second traction means deflection device and around the first traction means deflection device. This advantageously makes it possible to define different circulation paths for the traction means of the first and second groups. In this embodiment, the traction means of the second group do not have to be driven separately; the drive can then be via the first traction means deflection device, to which in turn the traction means of the first group transmit the torque of the transfer rotation body. In principle, however, it is possible for the traction means of the first group and the traction means of the second group to be driven by a separate drive.The first traction means deflection device, the second traction means deflection device and / or the material web deflection device can be configured to exert a pressing force on the segments during operation so that they are pressed against the transport surface of the discharge device.

[0038] It is further proposed that the traction means of the first group be guided around the first traction means deflection device on a radius that differs from a radius on which the traction means of the second group are guided around the first traction means deflection device. The different diameters cause the traction means of the first group to be guided over the first traction means deflection device at a different traction means speed than the traction means of the second group. Preferably, the traction means speed of the traction means of the second group is greater than that of the traction means of the first group. This can prevent a build-up of segments and / or the formation of wrinkles.Due to the different diameters on which the traction means of the first group and the traction means of the second group run around the first traction means deflection device, it is possible, for example, to set a traction means speed of the traction means of the second group that corresponds to the speed at which the segments are released from the outer surface of the transfer rotation body. However, it is also possible in principle to set a traction means speed of the traction means of the second group that is lower or higher than the release speed of the transfer rotation body.

[0039] It is further proposed that the transfer device be configured to transfer the segments from the traction means of the first group to the traction means of the second group. In particular, if the segments cannot be conveyed by the traction means of the first group at the desired conveying speed for delivery to the discharge device, they can be transferred to the traction means of the second group, which then circulate at the desired conveying speed. In order to enable the segments to be transferred from the traction means of the first group to the traction means of the second group with the greatest possible product protection, it has proven effective for the traction means of the first and second groups to be deflected by the common first traction means deflection device.

[0040] Preferably, the transfer of the segments to the discharge device can already be completed or at least initiated by the traction means of the first group. If the transfer device is configured to initially transfer the segments from the traction means of the first group to the traction means of the second group, the segments can subsequently be transferred from the traction means of the second group to the discharge device, or the transfer initiated by the traction means of the first group can be completed.

[0041] According to a further preferred embodiment, at least one of the traction means is configured to exert a holding force on a segment. This can increase the reliability of the transfer of the segments to the removal device. Furthermore, slipping of the segments during transfer by the traction means can be prevented. Furthermore, additional measures that cause the segments to be carried along by the traction means can be omitted. The traction means can be configured to permanently exert a holding force on segments; alternatively, the holding force can also be controlled. Preferably, all traction means of the transfer device or - in the case of several groups of traction means - all traction means of a group are configured to exert a holding force on a segment.

[0042] The traction means for exerting the holding force is preferably designed as a vacuum belt having openings and / or a perforated structure via which opposing outer sides of the vacuum belt are fluidically connected. It has been shown that by applying negative pressure, the traction means can exert a holding force on the segments that is sufficiently large to hold the segments to the vacuum belt, even with relatively tight deflection radii of the traction means. The traction belt is preferably perforated for this purpose. The proposed vacuum belt can be understood in particular as a special embodiment of a flat belt. The vacuum belt can be formed, for example, by punching and / or perforating a flat belt.

[0043] In one embodiment of the traction means as a belt, one or more belts are closed; in particular, one or more belts are configured and designed in such a way that gas passage and / or the application of negative pressure is avoidable, in particular impossible. Preferably, one or more belts are made of a hermetically sealing material. Preferably, one or more traction means configured as a belt are kept free of openings and / or a perforated structure.

[0044] Preferably, the transfer device comprises a vacuum device configured to apply negative pressure to a subset of the openings of the vacuum belt. In this way, segments can be held to the vacuum belt in a specific section along the conveying path by the effect of negative pressure. Depending on the dimensions and design of the vacuum device, a section of the circulating path of the vacuum belt can be defined in which the segments are held to the vacuum belt by the effect of negative pressure. Thus, a type of switching function can be realized with the proposed vacuum device.

[0045] It is further proposed that the vacuum device comprise a vacuum chamber that can be subjected to negative pressure. The vacuum chamber is open to the environment through an elongated vacuum opening, with the vacuum band being guided over this vacuum opening. Thus, an operative connection can be established between the vacuum band and the vacuum chamber during operation. This design of the vacuum device has proven particularly efficient for applying negative pressure to the vacuum band.

[0046] Preferably, the vacuum opening of the vacuum chamber extends in a longitudinal direction that coincides with the conveying direction of the vacuum belt. This advantageously defines a region along the vacuum belt that is subjected to sufficient vacuum even at high traction speeds.

[0047] It has also proven advantageous if the vacuum band is guided over an outer surface of the vacuum chamber that surrounds the vacuum opening. By adhering the vacuum band to this outer surface of the vacuum chamber, a sealing effect against the environment is achieved, thus reducing pressure losses.

[0048] It is further proposed that the rotary transfer body have recesses extending in the circumferential direction on its outer surface, wherein a vacuum belt deflection device, preferably a vacuum belt deflection roller, is arranged in the recess or at least partially projects into it. The vacuum belt deflection device is configured to deflect the vacuum belt. In this way, the segments guided on the rotary transfer body can be combed out by the vacuum belt.

[0049] It is further proposed that the vacuum belt runs around the rotary transfer body and around a vacuum belt deflection device, preferably a vacuum belt deflection roller, so that the segments transported on the transport body are taken over by a section of the vacuum belt that is guided over the rotary transfer body. The segments to be transferred can then be transferred, for example, directly from the vacuum belt to the discharge device, i.e., without the interposition of additional transport means.

[0050] It is further proposed that the device comprise a first drive configured to drive the rotary transfer body in a rotational movement, wherein the device comprises a second drive configured to drive the vacuum belt or belts. As a result, the rotary transfer body and the vacuum belt can be driven separately, resulting in advantages in the control and / or regulation of the device. In particular, the transfer movements of segments from the rotary transfer body to the vacuum belt or to the plurality of vacuum belts can be better coordinated with one another. Preferably, the first and second drives can be controlled and / or regulated separately, for example by means of a control device.

[0051] It is further proposed that the at least two traction means be driven by positive locking and / or frictional locking. Preferably, the power transmission is achieved by positive locking, with the traction means being designed as a toothed belt, which is driven, for example, by a toothed element. The toothed element, for example, a toothed pulley, is then subjected to a drive torque by a corresponding drive. In this way, the occurrence of slippage can be prevented.

[0052] According to a second aspect of this application, a method for transporting segments suitable for forming energy cells, in particular battery cells, is proposed to achieve this object. The device according to the first aspect of this application is used, optionally taking into account the further developments described above. A segment is transferred from the transport body to the removal device via the transfer device. Regarding the technical effects and advantages associated with the proposed method, reference is made to the preceding statements in connection with the device according to the first aspect of this application.It is further proposed that segments of the first type, in particular an electrode sheet, are transferred by the first transfer device at the first transfer point to the removal device, wherein an endless material web, in particular an endless material web made of a separator material, is placed by the first transfer device over the segment of the first type already transferred to the removal device, wherein a segment of the second type, in particular an electrode sheet, is transferred by the second transfer device at the second transfer point to the removal device, wherein a further endless material web, in particular an endless material web made of a separator material, is placed by the second transfer device over the segment of the second type already transferred to the removal device. In this way, the proposed method can be used to produce a layered structure that is suitable for producing monocells for energy storage devices.In a subsequent process step, the layered structure can be laminated, and the individual monocells can be produced by separating them transversely to the conveying direction between two segments.

[0053] A further aspect of this application relates to an arrangement for producing a composite web having electrode sections and one or more separator web layers, with a device according to the first aspect of this application, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 27, and a laminating device.

[0054] The laminating device preferably forms the discharge device, preferably in the form of an endless conveyor, in particular an endlessly circulating heating belt or metal belt, which is guided extending through a heating section and / or through a cooling section.

[0055] A further aspect of this application relates to an arrangement for producing a composite web having electrode sections and one or more separator web layers, with a device according to the first aspect of this application, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 27, and a laminating device, in which the discharge device has a transport surface formed by a part of the laminating device, in particular in the form of a section of an endlessly circulating heating belt or metal belt, in particular by a section of the full strand section of the heating belt or metal belt that is under tensile stress. The endlessly circulating heating belt or metal belt can have a full strand section and a slack strand section.

[0056] The invention is explained below using preferred embodiments with reference to the attached figures.

[0057] Showing:

[0058] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a device with a first embodiment of a transfer device;

[0059] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a device with two transfer devices according to a first embodiment;

[0060] Fig. 3 is a side view of a device with two transfer devices according to a first embodiment; Fig. 4 is a further perspective view of a device with two transfer devices according to a first embodiment;

[0061] Fig. 5 is a further perspective view of a device with two transfer devices according to a first embodiment including segments;

[0062] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a transfer device according to a first embodiment in a maintenance position;

[0063] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a device with a transfer device according to a second embodiment;

[0064] Fig. 8 is a side view of a device with a transfer device according to a second embodiment;

[0065] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a transfer device according to a third embodiment;

[0066] Fig. 10 is a side view of a device with a transfer device according to a third embodiment;

[0067] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a device with a transfer device according to a third embodiment;

[0068] Fig. 12 shows a traction means in the form of a vacuum belt; and Fig. 13 shows a perspective view of part of a transfer device according to a fourth embodiment.

[0069] Figure 1 shows a device 1 with a first embodiment of a transfer device 6. The transfer device 6 comprises a carrier 14 on which the remaining components of the transfer device 6 are mounted. The device 1 itself comprises a transport body 3, which is not shown in Figure 1, but is shown in Figure 10. The transport body 3 is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation, so that segments 2 (see Figure 5), which are arranged on its outer surface 4, can be conveyed by rotation of the transport body 3.

[0070] In the embodiments shown here, the segments 2 are electrode sheets, i.e. anode or cathode sheets, which are suitable for forming a battery cell.

[0071] In addition to the transport body 3, the device 1 also comprises a discharge device 5 (see Figures 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8) in the form of a conveyor belt, to which the segments 2 are transferred and conveyed further in a straight line. Thus, the segments 2 are transferred from the rotatably mounted transport body 3 to the discharge device 5 by means of the transfer device 6. The transfer device 6 thus enables the transfer from the rotary conveyance of the segments 2 on the transport body 3 to the straight-line conveyance by the discharge device 5.

[0072] Figure 1 further shows three mutually parallel endless traction means 7, which are assigned to a first group 21 of traction means. In this embodiment, the traction means 7 are round belts. The traction means 7 are each guided in circumferentially extending recesses 19 of a transfer rotary body 17 of the transfer device 6, so that the traction means 7 are completely immersed in the outer surface of the transfer rotary body 17 in a circumferential section of the transfer rotary body 17. The three traction means 7 each rotate under appropriate pretension around a first traction means deflection device 18, which is designed as a traction means deflection roller 18, and further deflection means 34, which here are each formed by deflection pulleys.

[0073] The transfer rotary body 17 has openings 35 to which negative pressure can be applied, so that the segments 2 can be transferred from the transport body 3 to the transfer rotary body 17 by the effect of negative pressure. Furthermore, the transport body 3 can also have such openings (not shown) to which negative pressure can be applied. In order for the segments 2 to be transferred from the transport body 3 to the transfer rotary body 17 to take place, it is only necessary to ensure that, at a transfer point, the force exerted by the transfer rotary body 17 on the segment 2 to be transferred is greater than the force exerted by the transport body 3 on this segment 2.

[0074] This can be achieved by appropriately designing the corresponding vacuum devices, for example with the aid of switching valves.

[0075] By rotating the transfer rotary body 17, the segments 2 (see Figure 5) are conveyed further and, at the point where the traction means 7 are guided out of the recesses 19 again, are combed by the transfer rotary body 17 by engaging the traction means 7. The conveying movement of the traction means 7 carries the segments 2 along; the traction means 7 therefore exerts a driving force on the segments 2. The arrow with the reference number 36 indicates the conveying direction of the transfer rotary body 17 and thus also of the traction means 7. The segment 2 shown on the left side in Figure 5 is shown in a position in which it has been completely combed off the transfer rotary body 17 by engaging the traction means 7. It can also be seen that all traction means 7 are simultaneously in contact with the segment 2 on the left side and thus also exert a driving force on this segment 2.

[0076] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows three additional traction means 8 assigned to a second group 22. The three traction means 8 also run parallel to each other. The traction means 8 circulate around the first traction means deflection device 18 and a second traction means deflection device 23, so that the traction means 8 of the second group 22 have a different circulation path than the traction means 7 of the first group 21.

[0077] Furthermore, the traction means 7 of the first group 21 revolve around the first traction means deflection device 18 on a smaller radius than the traction means 8 of the second group 22, so that the traction means speed of the traction means 8 of the second group 22 is greater than the traction means speed of the traction means 7 of the first group 21. This is necessary because the traction means 7 of the first group 21 - due to the smaller radius of the base of the recesses 19 compared to the outer surface - are conveyed on the transfer rotary body 17 at a traction means speed that is slower than the peripheral speed of the outer surface of the transfer rotary body 17. In order to counteract a build-up of segments 2 and / or the formation of folds in the segments 2 during the production process, the segments 2 must be accelerated again, which is done by means of the faster running traction means 8 of the second group 22.The transfer device 6 is accordingly configured such that initially the traction means 7 simultaneously exert a driving force on the segments 2, so that the speed of the segment 2 is conveyed by slip-free contact with the traction means 7 at the traction means speed of the traction means 7. In a transition region, the segments 2 are transferred from the traction means 7 to the traction means 8; this results in the segments 2 contacting the traction means 7 and 8 with slippage, until finally only the traction means 8 of the second group 22 are contacting the segments 2 at the same time; the segments 2 are then conveyed at the traction means speed of the traction means 8 of the second group 22.In this exemplary embodiment, this traction mechanism speed of the traction mechanism 8 essentially corresponds to the peripheral speed of the transfer rotary body 17; after reaching this speed, the segments 2 are transferred by the traction mechanism 8 to a transport surface 20 (see Figures 2 and 3) of the discharge device 5 (see Figures 2 and 3). The transport surface 20 has the same speed as the traction mechanism 8.

[0078] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows a material web deflection device 10, namely a material web deflection roller, with which an endless material web 11 (see Figures 3, 7, and 8) can be deflected. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[0079] In the first embodiment of the device 1 shown in Figures 1 to 6, round belts are used as endless traction means 7 and 8. Due to the nature of their surface, the segments 2 are carried along by the traction means 7 and 8 and transferred to the discharge device 5 with the aid of gravity and the inertia of the segments 2. In principle, alternative designs of the traction means 7 and 8 are also conceivable. Possible embodiments of the traction means 7 and 8 are explained below using the second and third embodiments (Figures 7-12).

[0080] Figure 1 further shows that the support 14 of the transfer device 6 comprises a frame-like structure on which the remaining components of the transfer device 6 are mounted. The support 14 comprises several parts that are screwed together. The support 14 is connected to the transfer rotation body 17 by means of a front swing arm bearing 37 and a rear swing arm bearing 38. The rear swing arm bearing 38 is designed as a three-point bearing because this makes it easier to remove the transfer device 6 from a stationary part 15 of the device 1. The front and rear swing arm bearings 37 and 38 define a pivot axis about which a free end 42 of the transfer device 6 can be pivoted.An adjustable stop 16, in this case a height-adjustable stop 16, is arranged on a stationary part 15 of the device 1 as a component of a holding device 39, against which the free end 42 of the carrier 14 can rest. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the holding device 39 is screwed to the stationary part 15 of the device 1. A spring element 47 is also provided, the tensile force of which acts on the transfer device 6 in such a way that the force of gravity exerted by the transfer device 6 on the stop 16 is reduced. The holding device 39 further comprises a locking pin 40, with which the pivotably mounted transfer device 6 can be fixed in an upwardly pivoted position, i.e., in a maintenance position. In the upwardly pivoted position, the transfer device 6 therefore does not rest against the stop 16.According to an alternative embodiment, a pneumatic cylinder (not shown) can be provided for raising the transfer device 6 into the maintenance position and back into the operating position. This pneumatic cylinder can be used to automatically raise the transfer device 6 into the maintenance position and back into the operating position. The pneumatic cylinder (not shown) can be arranged in a space 41.

[0081] The first traction mechanism deflection device 18, the second traction mechanism deflection device 23, and the material web deflection device 10 are each adjustable by means of reproducibly adjustable axle mounts 43 of the carrier 14. This allows small angular deviations of the transfer device 6 relative to the transport surface 20, which result from the pivotability of the carrier 14, to be compensated.

[0082] Furthermore, a distance adjustment device 44 is provided, with which the correct basic distance of the free end 42 of the transfer device 6 from the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5 can be set. Fine adjustment is then carried out by means of the reproducibly adjustable axis holders 43. This ensures, in particular, that a sensor plate 45 with sensors 9 is aligned parallel to the transport surface 20 (see Figures 2 and 3). In this way, by appropriately adjusting the carrier 14, the sensors 9 on the sensor plate 45 can be positioned very precisely and reproducibly relative to the segments 2 on the transport surface 20. This is particularly the case because the pivot axis of the carrier 14 and the rotation axis of the transfer rotation body 17 coincide with one another. However, it is not absolutely necessary for the pivot axis of the carrier 14 to coincide with the rotation axis of the transfer rotation body 17.The pivoting function of the carrier 14 can, for example, be replaced by a linear feed device (not shown). Furthermore, a combination of a pivotable mounting of the carrier 14 and a linear feed device (not shown) would also be possible. These adjustment options of the carrier 14 allow the transfer device 6 to be adjusted for segments 2 of different thicknesses. Thus, different distances between the first traction means deflection device 18, the second traction means deflection device 23, and the material web deflection device 10 and the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5 can be set.

[0083] Furthermore, Figure 1 shows three tensioning means 46, which are configured to tension the three tensioning means 8 of the second group 22. The deflection means 34 can serve as tensioners for the three tensioning means 7 of the first group 21.

[0084] Figure 2 shows a device 1 comprising a first and a second transfer device 6a and 6b. The two transfer devices 6a and 6b have the same structure as the transfer device 6 described in Figure 1. Each of the two transfer devices 6a and 6b is supplied with segments 2 via its own transport body 3 (see Figure 10). Thus, the first transfer device 6a can be supplied with segments of the first type 2a, for example anode blades, and the second transfer device 6b can be supplied with segments of the second type 2b, for example cathode blades. Accordingly, the segments of the first type 2a are transferred at a first transfer point 12 to the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5. From the discharge device 5, the segments of the first type 2a are then conveyed on to the second transfer device 6b.By means of the material web deflection roller 10, an endless material web 11, here a material web 11 made of a separator material, is then laid over the segment of the first type 2a deposited on the transport surface 20. The endless material web 11 is fed from above to the material web deflection device 10. The endless material web 11 is guided through a gap between the first traction means deflection device 18 and the material web deflection device 10 and deflected by the material web deflection device 10 such that it runs downstream of the material web deflection device 10 parallel to the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5. The section of the material web 11 before being deflected by the material web deflection roller 10 is not shown in Figure 2. However, the feeding of the material web 11 from above to the material web deflection roller 10 can be seen from Figure 8.Subsequently, the first-type segment 2a, with the endless material web 11 placed over it, is conveyed on the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5 to the second transfer device 6b. By means of the second transfer device 6b, the second-type segments 2b are then transferred to the discharge device 5 at a second transfer point 13. For this purpose, the second-type segments 2b are placed on the material web 11, which was transferred to the discharge device 5 by means of the first transfer device 6a. The first and second transfer devices 6a and 6b, as well as the discharge device 5, are synchronized such that the second-type segments 2b are placed over the first-type segments 2a by the second transfer device 6b; the endless material web 11 is, of course, arranged between them.Subsequently, as with the first transfer device 6a, an endless material web 11 made of a separator material is laid over the second type segments 2b by the material web deflection device 10 of the second transfer device 6b. The same discharge device 5 is consequently supplied by the first and second transfer devices 6a and 6b with segments of the first and second type 2a and 2b and with two material webs 11, each made of a separator material. By connecting the two transfer devices 6a and 6b in series, for example, the layer sequence: anode sheet, separator web, cathode sheet, separator web can be created. In a corresponding manner, the following layer sequence can also be formed, for example: cathode sheet, separator web, anode sheet, separator web.

[0085] Furthermore, the removal device 5 can feed this layer sequence to a laminating device (not shown) and to a separating device, where so-called monocells are formed by cuts in the transverse direction in the sections between the superimposed segments 2, which can be used for the production of batteries.

[0086] Figure 3 shows a side view of the transfer devices 6a and 6b arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction. The two transport bodies 3, of which a first transport body 3 (cf. Figure 10) is assigned to the first transfer device 6a and a second transport body to the second transfer device 6b, are not shown here. The transfer devices 6a and 6b are supplied with segments 2 of different types by means of the two transport bodies 3. At the first transfer point 12, the segments of the first type 2a are transferred to the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5. The endless material web 11 fed in from above is placed over the segments of the first type 2a by the material web deflection device 10 and conveyed further in the conveying direction of the transport surface 20. At the second transfer point 13, a segment of the second type 2b is then placed onto the material web 11 arranged above the transport surface 20 by means of the second transfer device 6b.A further endless material web 11 is then placed over the second type segments 2b by the material web deflection device 10 of the second transfer device 6b and is also conveyed further in the conveying direction of the transport surface 20.

[0087] Furthermore, it can be seen from the view shown in Figure 3 that the traction means 7 of the first group 21 have aligned conveying paths, and that the traction means 8 of the second group 22 also have aligned conveying paths. The traction means 7 and 8 of a group 21 and 22 extend in planes parallel to the plane of the drawing.

[0088] Figure 4 shows the device 1 in perspective from below. This particularly shows the different circulation paths of the traction means 7 of the first group 21 and the traction means 8 of the second group 22. The traction means 7 of the first group 21 protrude on the underside from the recesses 19 (of which only one per transfer rotation body 17 is provided with a reference number to improve clarity), so that in this area the segments 2 can be combed off the outer surface of the transfer rotation body 17. The traction means 7 run in a recess of the second traction means deflection device 23 and in a recess of the first traction means deflection device 18. On the upper side of the transfer devices 6a and 6b, the traction means 7 are guided over the deflection means 34 (see Figure 1) before they dip back into the recesses 19 of the transfer rotation body 17.The traction means 8 of the second group 22 circulate around the first and second traction means deflection devices 18 and 23 in corresponding recesses as well as the traction means tensioners 46 (see Figure 1).

[0089] Figure 5 shows the representation of the device 1 from Figure 4 with the difference that the first transfer device 6a is shown during the transport of a segment of the first type 2a and the second transfer device is shown during the transport of a segment of the second type 2b.

[0090] The discharge device 5 is not shown in Figures 4 and 5 because it would obscure the view from below of the transfer devices 6a and 6b.

[0091] Figure 6 shows the device 1 with the first transfer device 6a in a maintenance position. The first transfer device 6a is pivoted upward and fixed in this position by the locking pin 40 (see Figure 1). In this way, the first transfer device 6a itself can, for example, be replaced, or maintenance measures can be carried out on the first transfer device 6a itself and / or on adjacent components that are more easily accessible in the maintenance position. In order to be able to put the first transfer device 6a and thus also the rest of the device 1 back into operation, the first transfer device 6a must be pivoted downward again until the free end 42 once again rests against the stop 16 of the holding device 39. This also applies correspondingly to the second transfer device 6b.

[0092] The exemplary embodiments of the device 1 and the transfer device 6 shown below have the same basic structure as the device 1 according to the first embodiment, which is shown in Figures 1 to 6. Therefore, only the differences from the device 1 according to the first embodiment will be discussed below.

[0093] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a second embodiment of a transfer device 6. As with the previous embodiment, three parallel traction means 7 are used here. However, only two traction means 7 are visible in this illustration. Unlike the first embodiment, however, there are no two groups of traction means. The traction means 7 are designed here as a vacuum belt 31. These are designed to hold a segment 2 to be transported to the vacuum belt 31 through the effect of negative pressure.

[0094] A schematic sectional view of a section of such a vacuum band 31 is shown in Figure 12. The vacuum band 31 is a flat band and has openings 25 through which opposite outer sides 26 of the vacuum band 31 are fluidically connected to one another. In addition to or as an alternative to the openings 25, the outer sides 26 can also be connected by a perforated structure.

[0095] The functioning of the vacuum belts 31 is explained below using only a single vacuum belt 31; the functioning of the remaining suction belts 31 is identical.

[0096] Figure 7 also shows a vacuum device 27 as a component of the transfer device 6. The vacuum device 27 comprises a vacuum chamber 28 to which a vacuum can be applied and which is fluidically connected to its surroundings 29 via an elongated vacuum opening 30, i.e. via a slot. The vacuum belt 31 is guided over the outer surface of the vacuum chamber 28 in such a way that a portion of the openings 25 of the vacuum belt 31 are applied with vacuum via the elongated vacuum opening 29 by means of the vacuum chamber 28. The longitudinal axis of the elongated vacuum opening 30 runs parallel to the conveying direction of the vacuum belt 31, so that even at higher conveying speeds of the vacuum belt 31, the respective openings 25 are fluidly connected to the elongated vacuum opening 30 for as long as possible.By placing the vacuum belt 31 against an outer surface of the vacuum chamber 28, a sufficient sealing effect with respect to the environment 29 is achieved. In this way, the corresponding openings 25 of the vacuum belt 31 can be subjected to a vacuum. The segments 2 are taken over by the vacuum belt 31 on the underside of the vacuum chamber 28. It can also be seen in Figure 7 that the transfer rotary body 17 has recesses 33 running circumferentially on its outer surface. These recesses are wide and deep enough to accommodate a vacuum belt deflection device 32, namely a vacuum belt deflection roller. For this purpose, the vacuum belt deflection device 32 has an outer diameter that corresponds, for example, to 1 / 10 to 1 / 20 of the outer diameter of the transfer rotary body 17.By means of the vacuum belt deflection device 32, the vacuum belt 31 is deflected in the recess 33 such that the vacuum belt 31 is guided out of the recess 33 tangentially to the outer surface of the transfer rotary body 17. Due to the negative pressure applied to the openings 25, the segment 2 can then be taken over by the vacuum belt 31. The openings 29 of the vacuum belt 31 are only subjected to negative pressure in the area of ​​the elongated vacuum opening 30, so that the elongated extent of the vacuum opening 30 can be used to set or control the point at which the holding force exerted on the segment 2 by the vacuum belt 31 is released. The release of the holding force is therefore largely determined by the position of an edge 49 of the vacuum opening 30 located at the end in the conveying direction.

[0097] Optionally, the vacuum device 27 can be actively or passively ventilated in the area after the edge 49, i.e., in the area after the transfer of the segment 2 to the discharge device 5; this can be achieved, for example, by means of a fluidically separate, additional vacuum chamber (not shown).

[0098] Figure 8 shows a side view of the device 1 from Figure 7, in which the discharge device 5 can also be seen. The edge 49 removes the negative pressure acting on the respective segment 2, so that the segment 2 is transferred to the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5. The vacuum belt 31 also rotates around a further vacuum belt deflection device 50, so that the vacuum belt 31 is guided parallel to the transport surface 20 in one section. In this way, the transferred segment 2 can be pressed against the transport surface 20 by the vacuum belt 31. By means of further deflection means 51, the vacuum belt 31 is guided around a shaft driven by a drive 48. The vacuum belt 31 is thus actively driven.

[0099] Furthermore, in the view according to Figure 8, the traction means 7 designed as vacuum belts 31 have aligned conveying paths. The third embodiment of the transfer device 6 shown in Figures 9 to 11 also comprises traction means 7 in the form of suction belts 31. A plurality of vacuum belts 31, here for example five, are guided in corresponding recesses 19 around the rotary transfer body 17. Through the openings 35 on the shell side of the rotary transfer body 17, which can be subjected to vacuum, the vacuum belt 31 - more precisely, the openings 25 of the vacuum belt 31 - can also be subjected to vacuum in the area adjacent to the rotary transfer body 17. The segments 2 can therefore be taken over by the transport body 3 (not shown here) (cf. Figure 10) directly by the vacuum belts 31 running around the rotary transfer body 17.It can also be seen that the transfer rotary body 17 comprises further openings 35 which can be subjected to negative pressure and which are not covered by the negative pressure belts 31; these exert an additional holding force on the segments 2 taken over by the transport body 3 (see Figure 10).

[0100] As in the embodiment of Figures 7 and 8, the vacuum chamber 28 of the vacuum device 27 is connected to the transfer rotary body 17, so that the segments 2 are held on the vacuum belts 31 even after leaving the section in which the transfer rotary body 17 is wrapped. Delivery to the discharge device 5 (see Figure 8) then takes place, as already described above, after reaching the edge 49.

[0101] Figure 10 shows the circulation path of the vacuum belts 31. They circulate the transfer rotary body 17 and the vacuum belt deflection device 50, so that the vacuum belts 31 run parallel to the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5 (see Figure 8) in one section. The vacuum belts 31 are then tensioned around the transfer rotary body 17 by means of additional deflection means 51.

[0102] Furthermore, in the view according to Figure 10, the traction means 7 designed as a vacuum belt 31 have conveyor paths that are aligned with one another.

[0103] From the perspective shown in Figure 11, it is clearly evident that exposed areas of the outer surface of the transfer rotary body 17 and areas that are wrapped around the vacuum belts 31 alternate on the transfer rotary body 17. Through these alternating areas, a reliable holding force can be exerted on the segments 2 through the openings 35 of the transfer rotary body 17 and through the openings 25 of the vacuum belts 31, which is necessary for the segments to be taken over by the transport body 3 (cf. Figure 10) and for further transport until they reach the vacuum device 27. Furthermore, Figure 11 shows a chamber 24 inside the transfer rotary body 17, which is fluidically connected to the openings 35 on its outer surface. By applying negative pressure to the chamber 24, the openings 35 can be subjected to negative pressure. The vacuum belts 31 are driven by the transfer rotation body 17.

[0104] According to a further embodiment, the transfer rotary body 17 is driven by a first drive (not shown), and the vacuum belts 31 are driven by the separately controllable drive 48, which can then be referred to as the second drive 48. The first drive and / or the second drive 48 can, for example, comprise an electric motor. Of course, other drive designs are also possible.

[0105] As in the first embodiment, the transfer devices 6 of the second embodiment (see Figures 7 and 8) and the third embodiment (see Figures 9 to 11) can comprise two of the respective transfer devices 6, so that they can be connected in series to form a layered structure along the discharge device 5.

[0106] According to a further embodiment, the traction means 7, 8 can be driven by means of a positive connection in both the first, second, and / or third embodiments by means of a toothed belt. The toothing of the toothed belt then interacts with a corresponding toothing of a drive element, for example, with the toothing of a pulley. According to a further embodiment, however, the drive of the traction means 7, 8 is also possible by means of a frictional connection.

[0107] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of part of a transfer device 6 according to a fourth embodiment, which is a modification of the second embodiment from Figures 7 and 8. The traction means 7 is also a vacuum belt 31, but the vacuum device 27 with the vacuum chamber 28 (Figures 7 and 8) is not shown for the sake of clarity. The vacuum belt 31 is shown in a simplified manner. A vacuum belt 31 can have or the vacuum belts 31 can have perforations through which it / them can be subjected to vacuum. The part of the transfer device 6 shown in Figure 13 receives the segments 2 from the transfer rotation body 17, not shown (see Figures 7 and 8). For this purpose, the transfer device 6 comprises three traction means 7 in the form of vacuum belts 31, of which only one is shown in Figure 13 for the sake of clarity.Three combing elements 54 are provided for combing out the segments 2 from the transfer rotary body 17 (not shown). To comb out the segments 2, the combing elements 54 extend into the circumferentially extending recesses 33 on the outer surface of the transfer rotary body 17 (see Figure 7). The segments 2 are thus combed out of the transfer rotary body 17 by a combing surface 58 facing away from the transfer rotary body 17. Since no recesses for receiving the segments 2 are provided on the outer surface of the transfer rotary body 17 in this embodiment, the term "combing out" can also be understood as "combing off."

[0108] The vacuum belts 31 are deflected by the vacuum belt deflection devices 32 and 50, each of which is designed as a toothed pulley and thus interacts positively with the vacuum belts 31, which are designed as a toothed belt. It can also be seen that the three vacuum belt deflection devices 32 are mounted on a common shaft 56; in this case, the vacuum belt deflection devices 32 are connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the common shaft 56. According to a further embodiment, the vacuum belt deflection devices 32 can also be rotatably mounted on the common shaft 56. In the embodiment according to Figure 13, the vacuum belts 31 do not run around the transfer rotation body 17. The vacuum belts 31 are driven separately from the transfer rotation body 17.

[0109] The vacuum belt deflection devices 50 are mounted on a common shaft 57. There are also three vacuum belt deflection devices 50, but due to the perspective view in Figure 13, only the rear vacuum belt deflection device 50 is visible. The three vacuum belt deflection devices 50 are connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the common shaft 57, so that the vacuum belt deflection devices 50 can be driven synchronously by the rotational drive of the shaft 57 by means of a gear element 55, for example in the form of a toothed pulley. The gear element 55 is driven here by a schematically illustrated, separate drive 48. The drive force—more precisely, the drive torque—can be transmitted to the gear element 55, for example, via a toothed belt (not shown); this transmission of torque is schematically illustrated in Figure 13 by a dashed line.

[0110] Consequently, a first drive (not shown) is provided to drive the transfer rotary body 17 in a rotational movement. The second drive 48, in contrast, is designed to drive the vacuum belts 31. For this purpose, the vacuum belts 31 are designed as toothed belts so that they can interact with the vacuum belt deflection devices 50 and 32. However, only the vacuum belt deflection devices 50 transmit torque to the vacuum belts 31. The vacuum belt deflection devices 32, mounted on the shaft 56, rotate driven by the movement of the vacuum belt 31.

[0111] Furthermore, it can be seen that the additional deflection means 51, here in the form of deflection rollers, are provided to deflect the vacuum belts 31. Due to the perspective view in Figure 13, these are only visible for a single vacuum belt 31; however, such deflection means 51 are also provided for deflecting the two remaining vacuum belts 31 not shown. Two deflection means 51 can be provided for each vacuum belt 31.

[0112] The basis for the part of the transfer device 6 shown in Figure 13 is a frame structure 53 on which functional elements are mounted. Functional elements in the form of the vacuum web deflection devices 32 and 50, the deflection means 51, and the combing elements 54 can be mounted on the frame structure 51.

[0113] Furthermore, the part of the transfer device 6 shown in Figure 13 comprises two connecting devices 52, with which the frame structure 53 can be attached to the remaining, stationary part of the device 1. The connecting devices 52 are designed to adjust and finely adjust the orientation of the frame structure 53 relative to the stationary part of the device 1. Thus, the frame structure 52 forms a type of support 14, which is already known from the first embodiment (see Figures 1 to 6) of the transfer device 6.

[0114] Furthermore, the embodiment according to Figure 13 can also be modified such that, instead of the vacuum belts 31, traction means 7 without a vacuum function are used. For such a traction means 7 without a vacuum function, a normal belt, in particular a toothed belt, a V-belt, a round belt, or a flat belt, is particularly suitable. In this case, the segments 2 are clamped between the respective traction means 7 and the transport surface 20 of the discharge device 5 (see Figure 7). This clamping action allows the segment 2 to be subjected to a driving force. The vacuum belt deflection devices 32 and 50 can then be designed as traction means deflection devices that interact with the traction means 7 that do not have a vacuum function.The traction means deflection devices for the traction means 7 designed as belts can comprise rollers whose circumferential profile is designed to correspond to the shape of a belt, for example round for round belts, rectangular for flat belts or wedge-shaped for V-belts.

[0115] Finally, a further embodiment is proposed in which the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6 is expanded to include a freewheel function. For this purpose, the first conveyor rotary body 17 comprises a freewheel device (not shown) which is designed to decouple the traction means 7 of the first group 21, which are guided in the recesses 19 of the transfer rotary body 17, from the rotational movement of the transfer rotary body 17. This is a freewheel device which is integrated into the transfer rotary body 17, i.e. the transfer rotary body 17 with the freewheel device forms an assembly which can be mounted on the corresponding rotation axis. The drive of the traction means 7 of the first group 21 is in this way decoupled from the drive of the transfer rotary body 31, and the corresponding speeds can be controlled separately.In this case, the freewheel device comprises a separate bearing element, for example in the form of a plain bearing, for each traction mechanism 7 of the first group 21. It goes without saying that other bearing types, such as ball bearings, can also be used.

[0116] In the embodiments described above, the removal device 5 can be formed by a laminating device or a part of a laminating device. The transport surface 20 can be formed by an endless conveyor of the laminating device, in particular by an endlessly circulating

[0117] Heating band or metal band which is guided through a heating section and / or a cooling section.

[0118] List of reference symbols:

[0119] 1 device

[0120] 2 segments

[0121] 3 transport bodies

[0122] 4 Shell surface

[0123] 5 Discharge device

[0124] 6 Transfer device

[0125] 7 traction devices

[0126] 8 traction devices

[0127] 9 Sensor

[0128] 10 Material web deflection device

[0129] 11 Material web

[0130] 12 first transfer point

[0131] 13 second transfer point

[0132] 14 carriers

[0133] 15 stationary part (of the device)

[0134] 16 stops

[0135] 17 Transfer rotation bodies

[0136] 18 first traction mechanism deflection device

[0137] 19 recesses

[0138] 20 transport area

[0139] 21 first group

[0140] 22 second group

[0141] 23 second traction mechanism deflection roller

[0142] 24 chambers

[0143] 25 openings

[0144] 26 Outside

[0145] 27 Vacuum device

[0146] 28 Vacuum chamber

[0147] 29 Environment 30 Vacuum opening

[0148] 31 vacuum belt

[0149] 32 Vacuum belt deflection device

[0150] 33 Recess (for vacuum belt deflection device)

[0151] 34 deflection devices

[0152] 35 openings (of the transfer rotation body)

[0153] 36 Conveying direction

[0154] 37 front swing arm bearing

[0155] 38 rear swing arm bearing

[0156] 39 Holding device

[0157] 40 locking bolts

[0158] 41 installation space

[0159] 42 free end

[0160] 43 axle mount

[0161] 44 Distance adjustment device

[0162] 45 Sensor plate

[0163] 46 tensioners

[0164] 47 Spring element

[0165] 48 Drive

[0166] 49 edge

[0167] 50 Vacuum belt deflection device

[0168] 51 deflection devices

[0169] 52 connection device

[0170] 53 Frame construction

[0171] 54 combing elements

[0172] 55 Gear element

[0173] 56 Wave

[0174] 57 Wave

[0175] 58 combing area

Claims

Claims:

1. Device (1) for transporting segments (2) suitable for forming energy cells, in particular battery cells, comprising - a rotatably driven transport body (3), in particular a transport drum, which is designed to hold the segments (2) on its outer surface (4) and to transport the segments (2) by its rotation; - a discharge device (5) which is arranged in the conveying direction after the rotatably driven transport body (3); and - a transfer device (6) which is designed to transfer the segments (2) from the rotatably driven transport body (3) to the removal device (5), characterized in that - the transfer device (6) comprises at least two endless traction means (7, 8), in particular belts, which are driven and deflected in such a way that a segment (2) to be transferred is subjected to a driving force by simultaneous contact with the at least two endless traction means (7, 8).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the removal device (5) is designed to transport the segments (2) translationally, in particular in a straight line.

3. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the discharge device (5) is formed by a linear conveyor, in particular by a conveyor belt.

4. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the transfer device (6) comprises one or more sensors (9) with which at least one quality parameter of the segments (2) can be checked, and / or - the transfer device (6) comprises one or more sensors (9) with which the position and / or orientation of the segments (2) can be checked.

5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the transfer device (6) comprises a material web deflection device (10), preferably a material web deflection roller, which is designed to deflect an endless material web (11), wherein - the material web deflection device (10) is arranged and aligned such that the endless material web (11) is placed over the segment (2) already delivered to the discharge device (5) by the transfer device (6).

6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the device (1) comprises two or more of the transfer devices (6a, 6b), wherein - the device (1) defines a first and a second transfer point (12, 13) at which the segments (2a, 2b) are transferred from the first and the second transfer device (6a, 6b) to the removal device (5), wherein - the first transfer device (6a) transfers the segments (2a) provided by it to the removal device (5) at the first transfer point (12) and the second transfer device direction (6b) transfers the segments (2b) provided by it to the removal device (5) at the second transfer point (13).

7. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the transfer device (6) comprises a carrier (14) opposite which the remaining components of the transfer device (6) are arranged in a predefined arrangement and orientation.

8. Device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that - the carrier (14) is pivotally mounted relative to a stationary part (15) of the device (1).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that - the device (1) comprises an adjustable stop (16) against which the carrier (14) rests during operation, wherein - the stop (16) is adjustable relative to a stationary part (15) of the device (1).

10. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the transfer device (6) comprises a rotatably drivable transfer rotation body (17), wherein - the transfer rotary body (17) is arranged and configured such that the segments (2) are taken over by the transport body (3) and conveyed further by rotation of the transfer rotary body (17), and / or - the transfer rotation body (17) deflects at least two of the traction means (7) which are designed to take over the segments (2) from the transport body (3) in the region of the deflection by the transfer rotation body (17) and to convey them further.

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that - the at least two traction means (7) run around the transfer rotation body (17) and around a first traction means deflection device (18), preferably around a first traction means deflection roller.

12. Device (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that - the transfer rotation body (17) comprises recesses (19) running circumferentially in each of which one of the at least two traction means (7) is guided.

13. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the transfer device (6) comprises two groups (21, 22) of at least two endless traction means (7, 8), wherein - for the traction means (7, 8) of both groups, the traction means (7, 8) belonging to the same group (21, 22) are driven and deflected in such a way that a segment (2) to be transferred is subjected to a driving force by simultaneously applying it to the at least two endless traction means (7, 8) of the respective group (21, 22), wherein - the circulation path of the traction means (7) of the first group (21) differs from the circulation path of the traction means (8) of the second group (22) deviates and / or - the traction means (7) of the first group (21) have a different traction means speed than the traction means (8) of the second group (22).

14. Device (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that - the traction means path of the traction means (8) of the second group (22) is arranged such that the segments (2) are pressed by the traction means (8) of the second group (22) against a transport surface (20) of the discharge device (5).

15. Device (1) according to claim 14 with reference to claim 11, characterized in that - the traction means (7, 8) running around the transfer rotation body (17) and around the first traction means deflection device (18) are assigned to the first group (21) of traction means (7), wherein - further traction means (8) are provided which are assigned to a second group (22) of traction means (8) and which run around a second traction means deflection device (23), preferably around a second traction means deflection roller, and around the first traction means deflection device (18).

16. Device (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that - the traction means (7) of the first group (21) are guided on a radius around the first traction means deflection device (18) which deviates from a radius on which the traction means (8) of the second group (22) are guided around the first traction means deflection device (18).

17. Device (1) according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that - the transfer device (6) is designed to transfer the segments (2) from the traction means (7) of the first group (21) to the traction means (8) of the second group (22).

18. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - at least one of the traction means (7, 8) is designed to exert a holding force on a segment (2).

19. Device (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that - the traction means (7, 8) for exerting the holding force is designed as a vacuum band (31) which has openings (25) and / or a perforated structure via which opposite outer sides (26) of the vacuum band (31) are fluidically connected to one another.

20. Device (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that - the transfer device (6) comprises a vacuum device (27) which is designed to apply vacuum to a subset of the openings (25) of the vacuum belt (31).

21. Device (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that - the vacuum device (27) comprises a vacuum chamber (28) which can be subjected to negative pressure, wherein - the vacuum chamber (28) is separated from the environment (29) by a elongated vacuum opening (30) is opened, wherein - the vacuum band (31) is guided over this vacuum opening (30).

22. Device (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that - the vacuum opening (30) of the vacuum chamber (28) extends in a longitudinal direction which coincides with the conveying direction of the vacuum belt (31).

23. Device (1) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that - the vacuum band (31) is guided over an outer surface of the vacuum chamber (28) which surrounds the vacuum opening (30).

24. Device (1) according to one of claims 19 to 23 with reference to claim 10, characterized in that - the transfer rotary body (17) has recesses (33) extending in the circumferential direction on its lateral surface, wherein - a vacuum belt deflection device (32), preferably a vacuum belt deflection roller, is arranged in the recess (33) or at least partially projects therein, wherein - the vacuum belt deflection device (32) is designed to deflect the vacuum belt (31).

25. Device (1) according to one of claims 19 to 23 with reference to claim 10, characterized in that - the vacuum belt (31) around the transfer rotary body (17) and around a vacuum belt deflection device (32), preferably around a vacuum belt deflection roller, so that the segments (2) transported on the transport body (3) are taken over by a section of the vacuum belt (31) which is guided over the transfer rotation body (17).

26. Device (1) according to one of claims 19 to 25 with reference to claim 10, characterized in that - the device (1) comprises a first drive which is designed to drive the transfer rotation body (17) to a rotational movement, wherein - the device (1) comprises a second drive (48) which is designed to drive the vacuum belt (31) or the vacuum belts (31).

27. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the at least two traction means (7,8) are driven by means of positive locking and / or non-positive locking.

28. A method for transporting segments suitable for forming energy cells, in particular battery cells, characterized in that the device (1) according to one of the preceding claims is used, wherein - a segment (2) is delivered from the transport body (3) to the removal device (5) via the transfer device (6).

29. The method according to claim 28 with reference to claim 6, wherein - segments of the first type (2a), in particular an electrode sheet, are transferred to the removal device (5) by the first transfer device (6a) at the first transfer point (12), wherein - an endless material web (12), in particular an endless material web (12) made of a separator material, is laid by the first transfer device (6a) over the segment of the first type (2a) already transferred to the discharge device (5), wherein - a segment of the second type (2b), in particular an electrode sheet, is transferred by the second transfer device (6b) at the second transfer point (13) to the removal device (5), wherein - a further endless material web (12), in particular an endless material web made of a separator material, is placed by the second transfer device (6b) over the segment of the second type (2b) already transferred to the removal device (3).

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